By: Brian Evans

Some critics and non-Christians attack and claim that Christians have lost their way by supporting leaders like President Donald Trump, especially in regard to immigration enforcement and the expulsion of criminal illegal aliens. These critics argue that by backing such policies, Christians have forgotten Christ’s command to welcome the stranger and care for the poor and the sick. But this argument misunderstands both the biblical call to compassion and the equally biblical call to justice, order, and national sovereignty.

The Bible absolutely commands God’s people to care for the poor, the stranger, and the vulnerable. Leviticus 19:34 says, “You shall treat the stranger who sojourns with you as the native among you, and you shall love him as yourself.” This is a profound command and one that cannot be ignored by any Christian serious about biblical faith. However, this call to love the stranger exists in the context of a broader biblical worldview—one that also values order, justice, and the rule of law.

In Acts 17:26, the Apostle Paul teaches that God Himself “determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place.” In other words, the existence of nations and their borders is not contrary to God’s will—it is part of it. Deuteronomy 32:8 confirms this truth: “He fixed the borders of the peoples.” A government that enforces its borders is not violating biblical principles, but upholding one of God’s designs for humanity.

Furthermore, Scripture gives governments the divine responsibility to punish evil and protect the good. Romans 13:1–4 teaches: “Let every person be subject to the governing authorities… for he does not bear the sword in vain.” It is not unchristian for a government to use its authority to remove those who break the law, especially when those individuals threaten the safety of others through violence or crime.

Christians who support the enforcement of immigration laws, including the deportation of violent criminals who are in the country illegally, are not rejecting biblical compassion. Instead, they are upholding justice—another vital biblical principle. Micah 6:8 doesn’t say only to love kindness, but also “to do justice.” Proverbs 28:5 echoes this: “Evil men do not understand justice, but those who seek the Lord understand it completely.”

The call to welcome the stranger was never meant to abolish the role of civil authorities or negate national security. In ancient Israel, sojourners were welcomed—but they were also expected to live under Israel’s laws (Exodus 12:49). The principle remains: love the foreigner, but respect the law.

Therefore, Christians who support lawful immigration and the removal of violent criminals are not betraying their faith. They are living out the balance of truth and grace, justice and mercy. To ignore crime or allow lawlessness in the name of compassion is to twist scripture. True biblical compassion includes protecting the innocent, upholding justice, and welcoming the stranger—all within God’s design for national order.